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Is it possible for an astounding individual to disregard moral law and still be considered humane? Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, is the psychological journey of Raskolnikov, a compassionate and profound law student with disturbed mental tribulations forcing him to commit a ruthless act of murder. .
Written in the early 1860's and published in 1866, Crime and Punishment brought about a new era of Russian literature, Realism. Crime and Punishment replaced the elegant style of Romanticism with fictional realism, depicting individual behavior and human development. Dostoevsky's pragmatic approach to writing influenced twentieth-century literature by portraying social and political realities.
The novel's main character, Raskolnikov, a poverty-stricken young, haughty man, was a former law student and now lives in the dirty, cluttered, and chaotic city of St. Petersburg, Russia during the 1860's. Raskolnikov devises an absurd theory that extraordinary men or superior individuals are above the law and excused from obeying the law. Contemplating whether or not to test his theory, Raskolnikov decides that Alyona Ivanovna, a wealthy, greedy pawnbroker, deserves to die solely because she takes advantage of the poor by cheating them out of their money, and he cannot justify her existence. These pathetic motives are what drive Raskolnikov to carry out his murder on Alyona Ivanovna. This atrocious act is the beginning of the psychological journey Raskolnikov faces and brings Raskolnikov in contact with two characters - Porfiry Petrovitch, the clever detective in charge of the investigation of the murder and Sonia Semyonovna, a young prostitute who has endured great suffering through poverty. Raskolnikov is tortured by his remorse feelings and struggles with his conscience, uncertain as to whether he should confess his murder. Raskolnikov can no longer bear the suffering caused by his inner conflict and immediately confesses the murder to Porfiry Petrovitch.

Essays Related to crime and punishment

Draconian punishment employed capital punishment for everything from minor crimes to serious offenses (p. 116). Deterrence focuses on punishment in terms of its ability to reduce crime (p. 117). ... Retribution links the guilt and punishment to responsibility for the crime in relationship to punishment. ... Capital Punishment and Deterrence One of the primary purposes of punishment is to prevent people from committing a crime. ... Therefore, in order to say that capital punishment is a deterrent for crime, research would have to show that crime rates were reduced in regards to a particular cri...

In "Crime and Punishment," protagonist, Raskolnikov, seems to embody a person with split personalities. ... From the beginning of "Crime and Punishment," it is evident that Raskolnikov isolation from society has begun to affect his mental state, resulting in an internal conflict between good and evil. ... On the other, he seems take steps toward atoning for his crimes when he helps the Marmeladov's. ... As "Crime and Punishment," draws to a close, the readers are aware that the pivotal moment of Raskolnikov's final confession is nearing. ... He receives prison time in Siberia for his...

While some people feel that Capital Punishment will not discourage crime, Capital punishment should be legalized in all states, because it is morally just and it will deter crime. ... The point given to these people is that they are less likely to commit a crime knowing they will receive the ultimate punishment to kill. "No other punishment deters men so effectively from committing crimes as the punishment of death". ... Many people feel Capital Punishment will not discourage crime . ... This is hardly a punishment at all. ...

Though some people say that capital punishment will not stop crime, the right to sentence people to death should be legalized in all states. Those who oppose Capital Punishment believe that it is a barbaric act and that it does not stop crime. ... But if the punishment fits the crime then it is moral. The point given is that people are less likely to commit a crime knowing they will receive the ultimate punishment of death. The two main reasons that Capital Punishment should remain legal are because it is morally just and it will deter crime. ...

Capital punishment is the best way to set an example for would be criminals so they will see the punishment if they commit a capital crime. ... Also when a capital crime criminal was taken to court the jury was given more choices then capital punishment or acquittal. ... There are many criminals that also say that capital punishment if used more would have stopped them from committing their capital crimes. ... If capital punishment was used more this crime would have never been committed and Rosa Velez would still be alive today. ... Capital punishment rights, capital crimes by minorities...

Should Capital Punishment be the consequence for certain heinous crimes? ... Public opinion on the merits of Capital Punishment is as controversial as the crimes that bring about such arguments. ... In Canada, the maximum punishment one can receive for committing a crime is 25 years, less time granted for good behavior. Does this seem like fair and just punishment for committing a heinous crime such as premeditated murder? Somehow the punishment just does not fit the crime. ...

Professor Laing English 096/097 March 20, 2003 Capital Punishment The Death Penalty is a form of punishment used to execute a criminal for committing certain crimes. ... Therefore, execution although considered to be "cruel and unusual punishment" maximizes public safety. ... Last but not least, the fear of death may deter people from committing deadly crimes. ... "Capital Punishment may be imposed only for a crime for which the death penalty is prescribed by law at the time of its commission. 2. ... Another reason why execution should be carried out as a form of punishment ...

Those who advocate the death penalty assert that it is a uniquely effective punishment that deters crime. ... Another 13 countries authorized capital punishment only for exceptional crimes, such as crimes under military law and crimes committed in exceptional circumstances, such as during wartime. ... Typically, capital punishment is reserved for individuals who commit the most violent or serious crimes, such as murder and . However, some governments authorize capital punishment for nonviolent or nonfatal crimes. ... (cp: life or death) However opponents of capital punishment say that it d...

Capital Punishment; AN EYE FOR AN EYE? ... This in easier terms just means that once someone commits a crime, if they are harshly punished for it, other people should then be afraid to commit a crime. Which is related to the idea that it is believed that fear of death deters people from committing crime. ... In conclusion if harsher punishment was carried out, there would be a lower crime rate. ... I believe it is needed because we do not live in a civilized society, if we did there would be no crime....

Capital Punishment in America The murderer and rapist of an eight-year-old girl was sentenced to death and then released after an appeal case only to commit nearly the exact some crime again. ... Why do we let these crimes occur over and over again? ... Capital punishment could and would be a highly effective form of punishment if the government would be more consistent in its use. Capital punishment is defined as the execution by the state of those who have committed a crime. ... Capital punishment is very costly. ...